Another mock draft is out from Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling. In this one, there aren’t any trades but there is a surprise pick in the top five. The Miami Dolphins pass on Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the player they have been most connected for almost a year, and take Oregon’s Justin Herbert. Tagovailoa goes sixth overall to the Los Angeles Chargers.
What about the Arizona Cardinals?
Round 1: Alabama OT Jedrick Wills
In the first round, they go with a predictable choice — an offensive lineman.
After trading for DeAndre Hopkins, the Cards aren’t likely to spend a top-10 pick on another pass-catcher, no matter how much Kyler Murray might like to throw to CeeDee Lamb again. Instead, the Cards opt to improve the protection for their young quarterback. With D.J. Humphries back, Wills slides in as the immediate starter at right tackle.
Wills is the second tackle taken in the draft in these projections, with Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs going fourth overall to the New York Giants.
In terms of offensive linemen in the draft, Wirfs and Wills are probably the two best fits, especially at right tackle. Wirfs has experience playing left tackle as well. Wills describes himself as a natural right tackle, although he believes he can play left tackle as well.
At Alabama, Wills protected QB Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side, as he throws with his left arm.
Since the Cardinals traded for DeAndre Hopkins, many believe that probably takes a receiver off the board with their first-round pick.
That might not be the case, considering the Cardinals’ belief in their current lineup on the offensive line and their desire to give second-year quarterback Kyler Murray weapons to throw to.
Wills is a safe pick. He was fantastic in college and should be a very good addition, even as a rookie, to the Arizona O-line.
Arizona does not have a second-round pick. What about the third round?
Round 3: Mississippi State CB Cameron Dantzler
The Cardinals have not done anything in the offseason to change their defensive backfield. However, that doesn’t mean they should completely ignore that part of the defense.
Dantzler is ranked as the 12th-best cornerback in the draft class by Draft Wire.
He did not test well at the combine in the 40 but is known as an explosive athlete, as he is a former long jumper.
He has the potential to be a starter as he is confident in press man, but isn’t known as much of a tackler.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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